The Mercedes-AMG GT has been with us for 5-years now and in that time they've given us several versions of the recipe, with each one making more power than the one before it. From the vanilla GT, to the GT S, GT C and fire-breathing GT R, they've all been total weapons both on and off the track.
Mercedes-AMG has now taken the R190 one step further with the release of the AMG GT Black Series, the sixth model in the marque's history to wear the coveted Black Series nameplate.
Related: 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT S – Only Purists Need Apply
Here are the top 3 things you need to know about the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series:
1. Engine
The Black Series employs the same 4.0-litre BiTurbo V8 that has been found in earlier models, with a few key changes. The M178 engine, now dubbed the M178 LS2, still uses a race-inspired dry-sump system for reduced rotational friction and a lower centre of gravity (COG) but now features a flat-plane crank as opposed to the regular cross-plane. The flat-plane crank allows for better scavenging of exhaust gasses and results in improved intake resonance for a mild supercharging effect.
This new engine has been tuned to produce 537 kW and 800 Nm torque, making it the most powerful V8 fitted to a production Mercedes-AMG model.
Dive into the finer details in Martin's take on the GT Black Series: Why the new Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series is completely bonkers
2. Performance
Mercedes-AMG is quoting some impressive figures. Thanks to the increase in power and refined AMG Speedshift DCT 7G-TRONIC gearbox and reworked AMG Dynamic Select Sport Plus drive mode that can automatically adjust according to the surface, the Black Series will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.2-seconds. 200 km/h comes up in under 9-seconds while the top speed is restricted to a phenomenal 325 km/h.
Stopping it is a simple task as the AMG GT Black Series utilizes high-performance carbon-ceramic discs and bespoke brake pads along with an integral brake cooling system.
3. Aerodynamics
It's not only straight-line speed that is impressive; the cornering abilities are said to be of the best with much attention given to the active aerodynamics that helps keep the Black Series composed at speeds.
The front air dam is modelled on the front end use on the GT4 car, featuring a large, singular air dam with sickle-shaped elements that direct air to the brakes. The carbon fibre front splitter has two manually adjustable settings for road and race and with the splitter in the race position, will pull the front end of the car down. This allows the air travelling under the car to speed up and creates a Venturi effect to aid in downforce.
The rear wing features an electronically adjustable upper flap that is adjustable by up to 20-degrees. With the AMG Dynamics in Master mode, the flat is permanently raised and extended up to 250 km/h but when the speed exceeds 250 km/h the flat retracts in order to reduce the air resistance and improve the acceleration up to the top speed.
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